Twin sisters Erin, left, and Marin Kanii have traded off at No. 1 for the New Albany tennis team.

Twins share a lot of things. On the New Albany girls tennis team, identical twins Erin and Marin Kanii share time at No. 1 singles. They started their high school careers as doubles partners but moved to singles the past three years.

Since you're both of equal ability and sharing time at No. 1 singles, does that create a tennis rivalry between you?

Erin Kanii: We switch off. I personally don't have a rivalry with her, but I'm not sure about my sister. I just want to win as a team. I don't care where I play. I think we enjoyed playing doubles a lot. There wasn't any pressure.

Marin Kanii: I think we do have a rivalry between us. It's very competitive because we're about the same level. But the main thing is it's better for us to win as a team.

How does your Japanese heritage influence you?

Erin: We are very proud of that. I just love the culture of Japan. I just love my family. I'm so proud to be a part of that.

Marin: I just love my family and the family that still lives over in Japan. We stay close, even though we're so far away from each other. We go back every other year and visit our grandparents and cousins. I love Japanese food.

Area coaches often comment on your positive attitudes on the court, which is completely opposite of the reputation of "tennis brats." How did you earn those compliments?

Erin: During my freshman year, I had an attitude like other players. But as time went on, we both realized how that just brings you down. It doesn't help you win; it didn't help us at all. It's sports, so just play and be happy. Having fun is the main point.

Marin: A lot of people say we have a good attitude on the court, and that's part of the thing we learned about tennis. We would always get mad on the court when we were younger, but we learned it doesn't do any good. So we try to think positive and have fun.

What lesson has tennis taught you?

Erin: Tennis is an emotional sport, and we have learned how to control our emotions. I think that has made us better throughout the years.

Marin: The thing I've learned is a positive attitude is important.

What do you enjoy away from tennis?

Erin: We love music a lot. Any kind except country and rap.

Marin: We both play the piano, and I like snowboarding a lot. We've been playing the piano since early in elementary school. I think my favorite composer is Chopin.

Is it difficult to tell you apart?

Erin: I don't think so. People say we act differently and talk differently, but I don't realize that. I guess that's how they tell us apart. I've never thought being a twin was a negative. There's always a person to talk with, and that's really helpful.

Marin: A lot of the teachers and our friends know the differences between us. People say our faces are different, and the way we act and the way we talk. I think it's really good to have a twin sister. I always have someone to talk to, and she's my best friend even though she's my sister.

ERIN AND MARIN KANII UP CLOSE

? Student/athlete: Erin and Marin are members of the National Honor Society. They plan to attend Ball State and major in telecommunications.

? Coach Bob Dusch: "Those two are our franchise players. They have been a very important part of our program for four years. I would love to play them at No. 1 doubles but I can't afford that luxury. They are the quiet leaders through their hard work and presence on the court. Coaches have commented about how they are so nice and always have a smile on their faces. That's quite a compliment."